Part 7/14:
Various testimonies shed light on the profound impact of loneliness. Raph, a 21-year-old student living in Manila, describes how feelings of exclusion and the frequent absence of friends listening to him exacerbate his loneliness. He spends hours scrolling through social media, seeking validation and companionship, yet often feels more isolated.
Another poignant story emphasizes that loneliness is not always about physical solitude. Julia, a bright high school student who appeared socially active, tragically took her own life at just 15 years old. Her case highlights how depression and loneliness can be invisible, lurking beneath a seemingly cheerful exterior. Her parents' denial and societal stigma around mental health further complicated efforts to recognize and address her struggles.